ElectronicsMusic & AudioAudioAudiophilein-ear

What are the best rugged and durable earbuds & IEMs that last?

16

Options
Considered

83

User
Recs.

Jun 18, 2018

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

The Best 2 of 16 OptionsWhy?

16 Options Considered	Price	Weight	Frequency Response
92 1more Triple Driver	$95	18 g	20 Hz - 40,000 Hz
90 Marshall Mode	$28	–	20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
86 JBuds J4	$34.99	–	–
83 Shure SE215	$89	30g	–
78 Jabra VOX	$44.95	–	–

1more Triple Driver

Top Pro

Made mostly of metal

These in-ears incorporate a lot of metal in the build, with the earpieces, the in-line remote as well as the 3.5mm plug predominantly made out of metal. This gives the headphones nice heft and a quality feel. See More

Top Con

Highs can get too harsh

The highs sound amazing usually. But on tracks that have a lot of cymbals and other high-pitched sounds, these frequencies can get quite harsh. See More

Top Pro

Cable is durable and does not tangle easily

The headphone cable is covered by a fabric sleeve. Not only does this make the cable look and feel expensive, but this also adds to the cable's durability. This also helps prevent the cable from tangling easily. See More

Top Pro

Crisp and airy highs with punchy and deep bass

There are two balanced armature drivers which handle the production of high frequencies, resulting in highs that are really detailed and have a lot of sparkle and detail to them. The 2 BA drivers are complemented by a dynamic driver (hence the triple driver designation) which handles the mids and the lower frequencies. Mids are smooth and clear while the bass is powerful yet at the same time is well controlled. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable to wear for extended periods

The earpieces' tips are slightly angled and allows for a more comfortable, deeper and more secure fit in the ears. See More

Top Pro

Easy control of smartphone/music player functions

The inline remote has a metal casing with three buttons that allow you to control tracks, respond to calls as well as adjust the volume. The remote is compatible with Android and iOS devices. See More

Top Pro

You can take calls while using these

The in-line microphone allows you to take calls without having to disconnect these headphones. Microphone sound is rich and has good clarity. See More

Top Pro

Includes lots of accessories

Along with the headphones, you also get silicone and foam ear tips in multiple sizes, a leather carrying case as well as an airplane adapter. These are functional accessories that definitely add a lot of value to the overall package. See More

Specs

Frequency Response:20 Hz - 40,000 Hz

Connectivity:Wired ( 3.5mm )

Splash Resistant:No

See All Specs >

Marshall Mode

Top Pro

Great sound for the price

While the Marshall Mode does not offer a lot of features or top-notch build quality, it makes up for it with great sound quality. The bass has a slight emphasis which gives the sound good power and punch. The mids sound natural and slightly forward, while the highs are able to deliver a good level of detail without getting harsh. These earphones sound best for rock music, but can also deliver great low-end performance for hip-hop music and similar genres, and crisp highs for those who love classical music. See More

Top Con

Single button remote

Controlling smartphone and music functions is limited with the Mode’s inline remote. Only a single button is present, so you can only answer or end calls, play and pause music as well as skip tracks. You can’t control volume nor can you go to previous track. See More

Top Pro

Lightweight and comfortable

These earphones won’t cause comfort issues, even when worn for for several hours straight.. The earpieces are light so they don’t put a lot of weight in the ears. See More

Top Pro

Many ear tips to choose from

With the Marshall Mode, you’ll be able to get a good fit and seal in your ears. You get 4 pairs of ear tips in different sizes to choose from. The ear tips are also of decent quality, as they are not too squishy, so they should sit well in the ears and last a reasonable period of time as well. See More

Specs

Inline controls:Yes

Frequency Response:20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Connectivity:3.5 mm Wired

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14 Other Options Considered

JBuds J4

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Top Pro

Durable Kevlar-reinforced flat cables with strain relief

J4 cables are reinforced with kevlar to resist breakage. The flat design helps prevent kinks, as the cable coils rather than twisting or bunching. Also, tough and flexible reinforced exoskeletons protect the cable connections and joints. See More

Top Con

Heavy wires generate noise

The J4's thick cables carry sound like a stethoscope, including the sound of the cables themselves moving and rubbing against things. This can be particularly bad while walking or running. See More

Top Pro

Heavy-duty aluminum housing

JBuds J4 components are protected by rigid aluminum cylinders, capped with aluminum grills. See More

Top Con

Significant defect rate

Although the J4s are built to be durable, many users report them breaking down after 1-3 months of light use. See More

Top Pro

Detailed sounding highs with punchy bass

Overall sound is quite bassy, with low end that is very punchy and fast, so it does not muddy up the music. The mids are slightly recessed, though the vocals can still be quite clearly heard as the bass does not overpower it. Highs on the other hand sound pretty good as they are clear and detailed without getting harsh. See More

Top Con

No volume control

The J4s come with a mic and control switch, but no built-in volume control. See More

Top Pro

A good number of accessories are bundled

With the J4, you get an EVA foam carrying case for even more protection and convenience when bringing these on the go. Also, there are two sets of silicone ear tips: 3 pairs of single flange tips as well as 3 pairs of double flange tips. A shirt clip is also included. See More

Specs

Impedance:16 Ohm

Frequency range:20 - 20000 Hz

Sensitivity:90 dB

Microphone:Optional

See All Specs >

Shure SE215

Top Pro

Rich, full sound

Bass is emphasized so there is a good bit of thump while staying controlled. Mids are rich, highs avoid sibilance, though they're a bit rolled off. Soundstage is okay--instruments are separated out enough for them to not sound like they're all coming from the same place, but it's not particularly wide. See More

Top Con

Need some time getting used to

It may take some getting used to memory cables and there's a bit of a learning curve to putting the earphones in with memory eartips. At, first memory cables may seem a bit stiff, but after they're broken in, they're generally more comfortable than typical wires. There's even a wire sleeve that helps form the wire bundled with the earphones to help combat this issue. As for memory eartips--every time before putting them in your ear you have to press them together and then allow them to expand in your ear. See More

Top Pro

Outstanding build quality makes them long lasting

SE215 earbuds use tough plastic earpiece shells, have a robust kevlar-reinforced cable, a sturdy Y-splitter that's difficult to bend and an L-shaped plug that adds additional strain relief. They won't break if you snag them, drop them or sit on them. They're also completely sweat proof so you can use them while working out without having to worry about damaging them. They're durable enough for professional stage use for which they were specifically designed for. See More

Top Con

Inline mic and volume controls cost an extra $50

The supplied detachable cable does not have a mic or inline volume controls. They can be added by upgrading to the M+ cable. See More

Top Pro

Fantastic sound isolation to block out unwanted noise

The memory foam eartips mold to your ear to provide amazing sound isolation, though there's a bit of a learning curve to using them. You have to press them together before putting them in and then allow them to expand in your ear. Once expanded they will take the shape of your ear and that way provide excellent noise isolation. The earphones also come with silicon tips which are easier to use than the foam ones and also last longer. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable once you get used to them

The SE215 earphones have a negative profile, optimized nozzle angle, over-ear fit and memory eartips that ensure the earphones stay in place comfortably regardless of situation. You can even lie on your side with them. See More

Top Pro

Thick, replaceable cable

The SE215's 6.4-ft. cable is very thick, and further reinforced at the left/right split point. Reviews confirm the durability benefits of its heavy-duty design. If it ever does break, the cable is built to detach safely from the earpieces, allowing replacement. See More

Top Pro

Amazing

Top Pro

Two year limited warranty

Shure provides a warranty against defects in materials or manufacturing for two years. See More

Top Pro

Will stay in place in the ears

The optimized angle of the earbuds, over-ear fit, and memory ear tips ensure that the earphones stay in place comfortably regardless of situation. These are also sweat-proof, so they're a great option for active use. See More

Specs

Impedance:17 Ω

Frequency range:22 - 17500 Hz

Sensitivity:107 dB

Microphone:Optional

See All Specs >

Jabra VOX

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Top Pro

Handles music with deep bass exceptionally well

Jabra VOX can play forceful, high-volume bass without distortion. See More

Top Con

Bass heavy

These earbuds are great for those who are looking for good bass, but higher frequencies aren't very clear. See More

Top Pro

Tangle resistant

These earbuds are made with tangle resistant rubber and further avoid tangling with the use of internal magnets. See More

Top Pro

App includes equalizer and Dolby sound enhancement

The free Jabra app allows custom frequency EQ, and provides Dolby virtual surround and frequency enhancement tailored for the VOX. See More

Top Pro

Tested against 33lbs of pull force

The Jabra VOX cables are rated for 15kg of pull force, or slightly over 33 lbs. See More

Specs

Impedance:16 Ohm

Frequency range:20 - 20000 Hz

Sensitivity:120 dB

See All Specs >

Sennheiser IE 800

Top Pro

Good durability with scratch resistance

Instead of using metal or plastic in the construction of the earpieces, Sennheiser has used a special ceramic material on the IE 800 which is scratch resistant. This helps to keep the weight of the in-ears down, yet can still withstand use and abuse pretty well. The cable on the other hand is very high quality and covered with Kevlar reinforcement for added durability. See More

Top Con

Y-split connection can pull down the earpieces

The detachable cable after the Y-Split cable adds a bit of weight to the earpieces. This can pull them down and cause them to dislodge at times. See More

Top Pro

Oxygen-free, kevlar-reinforced copper cable

Wrapped and sealed in an oxygen-free environment, these cables are immune to corrosion so long as their tough kevlar shielding remains intact. See More

Top Con

Does not come with an in-line microphone/remote

While not really a CON, this omission can make or break your purchase decision for these headphones. Sennheiser offers an add-on cable which features the mic and remote, but is quite expensive. See More

Top Pro

Good noise isolation

The IE 800s allow some ambient sound to pass, but not enough to be bothersome. See More

Top Con

Headphone cable is not completely removable

While the headphone cable can be attached/detached via a 2.5mm connection from the Y-split down, the cable cannot be removed from the earpieces themselves. This can make replacing the fixed cables very difficult and potentially expensive. See More

Top Pro

Ear tips provide a good seal

The ear tips are a step up from the common silicone ear tips on the market today. The part that comes into contact with your ear is made out of soft, flexible, high quality silicone. The inside canal of the ear tips however is made out of a firmer plastic material, with a metal mesh in the middle. This combination allows the ear tips to create a very good seal when worn, reducing sound leakage/bleed while also ensuring optimal sound delivery. See More

Top Pro

No bass distortion at any volume

Precisely engineered pressure vents behind a single dynamic driver leave no opportunity for distortion to occur. See More

Top Pro

Fantastic listening experience

Sennheiser is known for audiophile gear, and these earphones qualify. Their frequency response, dynamic range, and clarity of definition do justice to their price tag. See More

Specs

Impedance:16 Ohm

Frequency range:5 - 46500 Hz

Sensitivity:125 dB

Microphone:Optional

See All Specs >

Klipsch Image S4i Rugged

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Top Pro

Crisp treble and solid bass

Klipsch S4 earphones have excellent response at both the high and low ends of the audible spectrum, providing clean and undistorted sound. See More

Top Con

Controls are designed for Apple products

The built in controls are only guaranteed to work with iPhone 3GS and onward. (The Klipsch S4a, designed for Android devices, does not have a rugged version.) See More

Top Pro

Clear call quality

The built in mic provides a good experience when talking on the phone. See More

Top Pro

Numerous controls accessed with 3 buttons

The S4i's buttons recognize combination presses, tap patterns and held buttons, allowing access to many features: call answering, voice control, song titles, etc. These controls are intended for use with iPhones. See More

Top Pro

Very secure fit

These headphones come with four different sets of silicone plug tips, allowing a snug fit for nearly any size or shape of ear. See More

Top Pro

Built for outdoor and sports use

Klipsch S4i Rugged earphones are designed to withstand extreme conditions in both activity and environment. See More

Specs

Impedance:18 Ohm

Frequency range:10 - 19000 Hz

Sensitivity:110 dB

See All Specs >

Sennheiser IE80

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Top Pro

Audiophile-grade sound quality

The main reason to get the IE80 is the excellent soundstage that you won't get with cheaper earbuds. The soundstage is wide and balanced with instruments clearly separated, allowing you to easily identify their position. It creates a very immersive sound. The sound signature is great overall with clarity across all ranges. Highs are loud and clear without sibilance. Mids are rich. The bass is slightly emphasized to add more dynamics to the sound, though it does bleed slightly into the midrange. Also, if you wish to make the bass really powerful you have the ability to turn it up even more with a dial on the side of the buds. See More

Top Con

Replacement cables are expensive as well

If you need to replace the cables, they retail for about $20. See More

Top Pro

Built to last you a long time

IE80 earbuds use high-quality kevlar-reinforced cables with a thick rubber strain relief and the earpiece shells have brushed metal plating. A strong connector holds detachable cables in place. Additional strain reliefis added by the L-shaped plug. These earphones are built to last and if there are any issues with them, there's a 2 year warranty. See More

Top Con

Rather expensive

While these are among the cheapest audiophile-grade earphones, they're still priced at $250. It's a serious investment. And for many, just not worth it. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable for extended periods of time

IE80 earbuds aren't fatiguing and stay in your ear confidently. While they're designed to be worn over-ear, under-ear cable routing works as well. They're also low profile enough that you can lie on your side with them. See More

Top Pro

Solid noise isolation

Once you pick the eartips that best fit you, the isolation is solid overall with double flange eartips offering the best isolation followed by other foam eartips and then silicon eartips. See More

Top Pro

If something happens to the cable, you can replace it rather than buy a new pair

Replacement cables are around $20. See More

Specs

Impedance:16 Ω

Frequency range:10Hz - 20kHz

Warranty:2 years

See All Specs >

VJJB V1 V1S

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Top Pro

Great sound for the price

An overall balanced sound with slightly emphasized bass. It's not thumping bass, but it's not anemic either and it doesn't bleed into other ranges. Mids and highs are clear with no sibilance. There's close to no distortion in any of the frequencies. Even the soundstage is fair for the price--while it's still rather cramped, the instruments are separated out enough for them to not sound like they're all coming from the same place. It's a sound quality that's typically present in earphones that are in twice as expensive. See More

Top Con

They don't handle water or sweat well

They aren't sweat or water resistant. See More

Top Pro

Very comfortable for everyday/casual use

The earbuds are light and small with an angled nozzle, fitting most ears comfortably. It's comfortable to wear both over and under-ear. See More

Top Con

Not a good option to use for exercising.

Along with not being sweat-resistant, they tend to slightly move around in your ear regardless of chosen eartips. This can be distracting. See More

Top Pro

Will last you a long time

V1S earphones have a metal housing, strong rubber wires and a durable rubber stress relief to make sure that the earbuds last. However, they aren't water resistant. See More

Top Con

Some cable noise is present

Cable movement will result in unwanted audio signal that can interfere with the listening experience on lower volumes. See More

Top Con

The L-shaped plug can put stress on the cord

Specs

Frequency range:20Hz - 24kHz

Warranty:1 year

See All Specs >

Brainwavz M2

Top Pro

Warm sounding with forward mids, smooth highs and deep bass

The highs of these headphones are not too sparkly or airy, yet still has good detail. This results in a smoother sound. Mids are forward and clear, while the bass has good depth without creeping up on the mids. Overall, these headphones are quite fun to listen to and can work with pop, rock, hip-hop and even metal. These are not the best though if you tend to listen to music with a lot of detail and intricate parts like jazz or classical as these do not offer a high level of detail reproduction. See More

Top Con

No in-line microphone

Not really a con, as headphones are primarily for listening to music. However, this can be inconvenient when used with a smartphone and you have to take calls. See More

Top Pro

Durable and tangle-resistant cables

The M2's cable is braided and covered with a sleeving material, making it significantly more durable than other cables. It also makes it extra resistant to tangling. See More

Top Con

Highs may be lacking for some

The audio lacks sparkle in the higher frequency range, which may be disappointing for those looking for lots of detail reproduction in that range. See More

Top Pro

Solid build quality

The ear pieces are made out of metal and have great fit and finish. Not only does this make them look great, but also gives them a premium feel. See More

Top Pro

Includes plenty of accessories

With the M2, you get 2 types of ear tips with three sizes each, a shirt clip to prevent the cable from moving around when worn and ear cable guides to help keep the headphones in place. See More

Top Pro

Lightweight and comfortable to wear

Despite being made out of metal, these in-ears are still fairly lightweight, so wearing them for long periods shouldn't be a problem. The included ear tips are also quite soft, providing good cushioning and seal. See More

Specs

Frequency range:20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Sensitivity:115 dB

Frequency Response:20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Connectivity:Wired 3.5 mm

See All Specs >

Sony MH1C

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Top Pro

Engineered to work long term

While some sets of earphones are manufactured to break quickly, these are made to last. While there are no outstanding qualities about their build (like kevlar reinforcement), they still meet expectations about how long earphones should last. See More

Top Con

Dysfunctional cable splitter

The cable parts below and above the splitter, potentially causing unnecessary stray cables. See More

Bose SoundSport (SIE2)

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Top Pro

Engineered for exercise

The SoundSport earpieces are designed to stay in when running or performing other intense activity. See More

Top Con

No ambient sound isolation

By design, these earbuds do not obstruct outside sound, making them inappropriate for use when isolation is desirable. See More

Top Pro

Choice of color (iOS only)

SoundSport earbuds with iOS controls are available in blue, green and orange. The Samsung Galaxy (Android) model comes only in green. See More

Top Pro

No ambient sound isolation

Because these earbuds are intended for exercise, they let in outside sound so users can remain safe and alert. See More

Top Pro

Hydrophobic housing

These earbuds are covered in hydrophobic cloth in order to keep sweat or rain out, while still letting sound pass through. See More

Specs

Frequency range:?

See All Specs >

Westone Adventure ADV ALPHA

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Top Pro

Smooth, rich bass

These earphones are known for their excellent bass, and present a balanced sound overall. See More

Top Con

Ear sweat buildup

Users have reported difficulties when using these during exercise. See More

Top Pro

Water resistant

Every component with these earphones is water resistant. These have an IPX-3 weather resistant rating, meaning that they are essentially splash proof but shouldn't be submerged. See More

Top Con

Too much treble

Some find the ADV ALPHA high-end frequency response to be overbalanced. See More

Top Pro

Replaceable cables

In the rare occasion that the cables break, they can be replaced in a jiffy. See More

Top Pro

Weatherized magnesium canisters

Magnesium unibody canisters makes these earphones practically indestructible, and treated membranes protect them from weather and other moisture. See More

Top Pro

Two year warranty

Westone provides warranty against defects in materials or manufacture for two years. See More

Top Pro

Reinforced over-ear loop

The ADV ALPHA cables loop over the ears to keep the earphones in place. The segment of cable which secures them is stiffened with an additional coating. See More

Top Pro

Cables covered in low-friction reflective fabric

The low-friction fabric helps avoid tangles and snares, and its reflectivity helps users be seen by cars at night. See More

Specs

Impedance:21 Ohm

Frequency range:20 - 18000 Hz

Sensitivity:97 dB

See All Specs >

SoundMAGIC E10

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Specs

Impedance:16 Ohm

Frequency range:15 - 22000 Hz

Sensitivity:100 dB

See All Specs >

Koss i150

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Top Pro

Warranty supported after over a decade and a half

There are tons of stories from customers that talk about how they supported their warranty after decades with no receipt, at only the cost of shipping and handling. Koss really means it when they say lifetime warranty. See More

Specs

Impedance:8 Ohm

Frequency range:10 - 20000 Hz

Sensitivity:102 dB

See All Specs >

GrizzlyBuds

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Top Con

Sketchy company

These originally appeared on Kickstarter as "IRONBuds", for which the company never delivered on their promised product. What they did deliver suffered from poor construction quality, and looks exactly like what is pictured here. The custom components that allow the parts to be swappable might have more value if they could be sourced from other companies or were held together with enough glue to keep them from falling apart in the first place. See More

Top Pro

Sustainable design

GrizzlyBuds are committed to reducing consumer waste. Each part can be individually replaced, meaning that no working parts need to be thrown away if just one piece breaks. See More

Top Con

No option for controls or mic

Despite a replaceable cable, GrizzlyBuds does not offer anything beyond basic headphone function. See More

Top Pro

Replacement parts are cheap

If one of the speakers goes out, it costs $14 to replace. If the cable goes out, it costs $11. Note that the assembled product is only $2 less than building it from parts. See More

Top Pro

Good sound with excellent bass response

GrizzlyBuds' sound quality exceeds expectations for their price range. See More

Top Pro

Extremely durable

Replaceable parts aside, GrizzlyBuds are built not to break in the first place. Earphone components are housed in aluminum cylinders, and the cable is reinforced with kevlar. See More

Specs

Impedance:16 Ohm

Frequency range:?

Sensitivity:102 dB

See All Specs >

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Many ear tips to choose from

Lightweight and comfortable

Great sound for the price

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